S24.E04: Week 4: Most Memorable Year

[JenMcSnark]

21 minutes ago, Venee said:

Rashad : Idk folks I think the hugging and the crying of Rashad and his family got the 10's tonight, certainly not the dance...come on a 10? Maybe if you scored Emma. If you score Rashad you get an 8. The quality of movement is not quite there. Save the 10's for the real dancers. BTW Rashad's brother had a deadpan look. He seemed underwhelmed. I wonder what's up with that.....

 

I personally was tearing up during the dance, but it could be that Rashad's father was very much like mine.  But I truly felt such a powerful emotion coming from both Emma and Rashad and that is what made the dance for me.  It was so moving and I honestly think I would have felt the same if I had not seen the practice package and the hug at the end.  YMMV of course. 

And on a far more shallow note, I now want Emma to dump Sasha and be with Rashad forever and ever.  

Edit:  Awww damn.  Just watched Sasha and Simone and now I don't want him to be dumped.  Another dance that I thought was very moving and beautiful regardless of the hug at the end.  Sasha and Simone made that very joyful. 

Edited April 11, 2017 by JenMcSnark
Sasha

[Beatrice]

I love watching Heather dance and I love her and Alan's partnership. Each week I find the scores for her hilarious relative to the judges comments and the actual dance. I wouldn't hate it if Maks was out another week. Although then I feel like he should stay out the rest of the season because that would be four dances.

Anyway, again I liked all the women. They were wonderful. Not liking any of the men this season except I am coming around to Nick. I saw a FB live with him and Peta and they were very funny. Glad this week is over because I feel the stories lead the scores and not the dancing in most cases.

[TVbitch]

This is gonna be a tough season, pretty much everyone is growing on me, and they are all making great effort. 

Sasha is just an amazing gentleman. I want him to win ...but with Nancy. 

[Zuleikha]

Of course it is on point, Heather is a dancer by trade and that is what she made most of her career on. It would be embarrassing if her technique wasn't on point!

Technique doesn't transfer exactly across dance forms. Heather is a jazz/hip-hop trained dancer. She's not a Dancesport trained dancer. I'm not sure of Heather's exact dance background and how much jazz/ballet/modern training she had versus hip-hop because the former transfers better than the latter, but neither of those transfer directly to Latin. Many a professional dancer in one style has struggled trying to adapt to a different style.

I loved Heather's dance, and it made me so happy, but I hated the pants. They could have at least had some fringe on them! The reason Latin style costumes have fringe elements is to emphasize the fast turns and hip action. I really missed that with Heather's. 

 Heather started out as a background dancer, and IMO sometimes you see that.

Heather danced back up for Beyonce. That's not the same thing as something like being in a chorus line. I guarantee she's danced many a solo and featured moment in shows prior that gig, and she certainly danced as the lead dancer for years on Glee. 

What was the costume malfunction with Nick and Peta? I completely missed it. I also thought the dance was kinda sleazy, even though I wanted to like it because I think Nick's a pretty decent untrained dancer.

I don't think Gleb is serving Erica well. Erica needs to be pushed out of the raunch zone, and Gleb just encourages her to stay in it. I really hope he's replaced next year with a more versatile pro (like Alan).

[crossover]

If I'm looking at everything (chemistry, story line, celeb's likeability, dance ability etc), Rashad had the best performance.  The routine held my attention and made me feel the moment.  No, he's not the best technician, but his movements do not ruin the dance performance. I don't expect the celebs, or pros for that matter, to be able to execute contemporary movements well.  I just enjoy for what it is.

The next group is Nancy, Heather and Simone.  Heather had the best execution.  To me. she's just not as good at performing as the other ladies.  Nancy and Simone stories were so emotional.  Nancy's dance was a different kind of foxtrot than they normally have on DWTS.  Usually you can picture the routine in a broadway setting.  This one was more of a waltz-setting.  Simone wasn't fluid enough.  It looked like she was skippy/choppy in parts.  But it was nice also.  They're all about the same.  For me, I rank Heather, Nancy then Simone.

My next group is Normani, Bonner, Nick and David.  Normani's rumba was too staccato.  But she performed what Val gave her really well and the chemistry is still there.  It did not deserve the 7 that Len gave it.  I thought Nick's rumba had more rumba content than Normani's and he did move the hips in spots.  Bonner had the better story and he was descent.  David hopped his way through but he is so likeable. My ranking is Normani, Bonner, Nick then David.

This was MrTs best performance which made me wish that Erika had left instead of him.  This was the worst routine that Erika's done.  Maybe she's accepted the fact that she can't overcome four women?

[Former Nun]

45 minutes ago, Zuleikha said:

What was the costume malfunction with Nick and Peta? I completely missed it.

I think it was with Nick and his "fiance," when he scooped her up from the audience and she was trying (unsuccessfully) to keep her dress from riding up too far. Apparently that move was rehearsed, but not with that tight dress. 

Edited April 11, 2017 by Former Nun
tiny typo

[Former Nun]

Erika's husband, Mr. Bucks Unlimited, should move some of that "Erika's Career" budget money around.  Take some away from her glamor squad, a bit more from her private plane, a little from costumes, hair, etc, and A LOT from her choreographer and give her some basic dancing lessons.  The girl cain't daince!!!

[Sile]

3 hours ago, JenMcSnark said:

And on a far more shallow note, I now want Emma to dump Sasha and be with Rashad forever and ever.  

Edit:  Awww damn.  Just watched Sasha and Simone and now I don't want him to be dumped.  Another dance that I thought was very moving and beautiful regardless of the hug at the end.  Sasha and Simone made that very joyful. 

Maybe they can fix up Rashad and Simone and go on a double date.  Double wedding to be announced when they are the final two?

[calipiano81]

6 hours ago, katha said:

And I think she tends to dance "small", which has made all her dances have less impact for me than they should have, considering she's a pro dancer. 

I think Heather's tall, slender figure may have something to so with that. She has nice quick movement, but she probably needed to train herself to move a little smaller in order to accomplish that with her body type. It will be good to see her in a slower dance where she can have bigger movement and extensions.

Also, as a blonde with a paler complexion, I think it would be better for her to wear more vibrant colors (e.g. red, pink, orange). Her V waltz and jive costumes were OK, but the beige/gold last week and the white this week kind of washed her out, IMO.

[DEL901]

8 hours ago, friendperidot said:

I'm old, I admit it, but why are there only 4 members of 5th Harmony? Where does the 5th come in. I know nothing about them, but I guess I assumed that a group with 5th in the name meant 5 members. I come from days of bands like the Dave Clark 5,  Sir Douglas Quintet, with 5 members.

The 5 members auditioned for US X-Factor as individuals. After they were cut, Simon came to them and offered to let them continue if they agreed to become a group.  They did. They went far.  He signed them. They did well. One of them quit and went solo

BTW, he did the same with X-Factor UK with One Direction. After they were cut, Simon came to them and offered to let them continue if they agreed to become a group.  They did. They went far.  He signed them. They did well. One of them quit and went solo

7 hours ago, Morrigan said:

It was very sweet to see Maks make a pitch for Alan to have a partner next year. What a contrast to Derek and Henry Byalikov when Derek was injured good lord.

I loved him doing that too!

Edited April 11, 2017 by DEL901

[RedFiat]

Reading the comments, I am in pretty much agreement with the assessments.  So I don't have a lot to add, except given that Bonner is better in Ballroom than Latin, I am still not convinced he's moved so much forward that he's now one point below Nancy.  Those 8's what were they for? His backstory.  If you put Nancy's Foxtrot next to Bonner side by side, I'm sorry the comparison just doesn't hold up.  Bonner is and has been a potted plant for most of his dances. When he starts to move, that's when when the lousy footwork, the hesitation, the stop and start lack of fluidity.  

 

On 4/11/2017 at 3:23 AM, crossover said:

Nancy's dance was a different kind of foxtrot than they normally have on DWTS.  Usually you can picture the routine in a broadway setting.  This one was more of a waltz-setting. 

I had a slightly different take. I thought the over under arms, the bench conversation, the little hops, the twirls into dance position for me had a very charming Foxtrot feel. Nancy can do beautiful twirls and that's maybe where the idea of Waltz comes in, but American Smooth Foxtrot it's a story to music, and from that perspective  It wouldn't be out of place in a broadway show.  I thought the choreography for Simone was similar, the re-asurrance from big brother, the over under arms, etc.. but it didn't work as well for me as a Viennese Waltz because it lacked the flow of constant movement. It became too much of a story, and  became choppy as a result. Viennese Waltz needs to float, and this didn't.  So I was disappointed that Simone's dance was rated 3 points higher. 

So my rankings for last evening 

#1 Rashad- boy needs to be better in latin and ballroom, but this Contemporary is the best we're going to see this season. 

#2 Nancy - this is controversial as most just don't want to give this team their due, but I thought the entire dance was beautiful, even with the unintentional lift. 

#3 Simone - very heartfelt dance, but a little choppy for a true Viennese Waltz. 

#4 Heather - I can't fault the execution on this dance, but the entire choreography left me cold.

#5  Normani-  the epitome of "fake it till you make it" Her natural ability in movement keeps her high in the scoring even if there's no Rumba to score. 

#6 Nick  - the craptastic sleazy choreography aside, this was Nick's best effort. He had a smoothness to his line which is very difficult for guys to do. 

#7 Bonner - He's still a terrible dancer, but Sharna is a wizard at keeping those bowed legs and footwork to a minimum. 

#8 David - Horrible dance position,  very hoppy but he's just a likable character who is going to knock out better dancers.

#9 Mr T.  Loved this dance, sure it was Kym doing all the work, but he hit his marks, and the backstory got me. 

#10 Eryka  Enough of the sexy costume porn. It's not sexy when you're not sexy inside.  A stilted Cha Cha, freakishly mechanical... probably her worst dance of the season. 

Edited April 12, 2017 by RedFiat

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I know that memorable year week is always intended to make us cry, but I appreciate when the celebs choose moments that we wouldn't necessarily expect. I don't mind when the show has younger contestants but that does make for some eye rolling during memorable year week since sometimes they're so young that they don't have a lot to choose from. This season we have older celebs (Normani and Simone are the youngest at 20) so it was nice to have actual memorable moments. And hey, this year none of the memorable moments were someone dying!

Normani's rumba was one of the handful of dances this week that had a lot of content so kudos to Val for that. She is one of the better dancers this season. That combined with her fanbase means I would be really surprised if she isn't in the finale. Her rumba was smooth and mature without being overtly sexy (ahem, Erika). I've never heard Fifth Harmony live before and there were definitely a lot of flat notes. Hopefully they were just nervous.

Nick's rumba was just okay. There wasn't enough of him actually dancing the rumba. He doesn't extend so when he was doing things like raising his arm, it was like a pose rather than a motion. As for his story, it's hard for me to feel sorry for someone who almost gave up his dream of finding someone to love because he was on two shitty seasons of The Bachelorette. Just think of all the poor people forced to find love without going on a lame reality show!

Nancy's foxtrot was really beautiful so high five to Artem for a great routine. Nancy always struck me as someone who kept things close to the vest so I appreciate that she was willing to talk about her struggle to have children. Six miscarriages is a lot. It's hard on the body but it's also hard on the heart. Like she said, it can make you feel like a failure and you can start to blame yourself and wonder what you're doing wrong. There's still a stigma about discussing miscarriages openly so I am glad she was willing to go there. The choreography was elegant and she performed it well. Lift schmift.

Mr. T's waltz was about what I expected it to be. He's not a great dancer but he always tried hard, had a positive attitude, and was nice to his partner. Normally I'm not a huge fan of the overdone sets, but I really liked the church set and the gospel singers. Both were really beautifully done. He handled his elimination gracefully so hopefully he has some new fans after doing the show.

Heather's cha cha was a little too literal in the story, but the choreography itself was good. At least you could tell it was a cha cha, unlike some of the other dances. I thought she performed it well with sharpness and she looked like she was enjoying herself. Her demeanor during the pre-dance package was what I remembered of her during her Glee days, which is to say more animated than she's been during her time on the show.

David's waltz was okay. Now that Mr. T has been eliminated, I think that David is the worst dancer left (although Bonner, Nick, and Erika aren't majorly better). The difference is that David has a better personality than Bonner, Nick, and Erika so hopefully he sticks around longer than they do. His waltz was just eh. It wasn't Master P levels of bad but it definitely wasn't great. I blame part of it on Lindsay's choreography though. I wish these pros would remember that their job is to make their celebs looks good, not give themselves cool tricks to do.

Rashad's contemporary sucked through no fault of his own. Emma gave him a dance that was just a liftapalooza. He got to do very little actual dancing. Stand here. Pick me up. Stand here. Pick me up again. Oh yeah, it's supposed to be a contemporary routine, so do a lunge. Now pick me up again! Ugh.

Why no cries of ERIKA THE RINGER after we saw a picture of her in a dance recital costume? Oh yeah, because she still sucks at ballroom (once again proving that dance training doesn't mean you will be good at ballroom). And hey, Len, did you see that she had a non-cha cha dance break in her routine? I'm all for being a stickler but it just annoys me that he called out Heather for that but in four weeks, he hasn't complained about everyone else who's done stuff like that. She learned the choreography but her execution was severely lacking. Her story wasn't very interesting either so two thumbs down!

I love that Simone has been such an advocate for foster children. I'm in California and just about every day on my drive to/from work, I hear an ad on the radio where she talks about being a foster kid and encourages people to donate whatever they can (clothes, school supplies, etc) to foster organizations. The other thing that I love is that as a gymnast, she has been trained to be emotionally tough. You don't show sadness or anger when your compete. You put your game face on. But seeing her hug her parents with gratitude after her dance made me go awwww because I know it takes a lot to get a gymnast like that to let down her guard. I didn't love her Viennese waltz, partly because the camera angle didn't show her feet for what felt like the first half of the dance. There were moments when she had some strong lines and her dancing was smooth, but I wanted a little more from her. That's been my overall feeling about her all season though.

I totally get that Bonner's accident was life changing in every way so he has my sympathy there. My sister broke her neck and it was terrifying. I still don't like his dancing and I still don't see the alleged showmance that they want me to buy, but I think that this may have been his best dance yet (which, admittedly, isn't saying much since he set the bar pretty low in previous weeks). I wish Sharna had given him more content (it was foxtrot this week, right?) but he looked more relaxed and loose than he's been before, and he looked like he was enjoying himself.

[RedFiat]

16 minutes ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Rashad's contemporary sucked through no fault of his own. Emma gave him a dance that was just a liftapalooza. He got to do very little actual dancing. Stand here. Pick me up. Stand here. Pick me up again. Oh yeah, it's supposed to be a contemporary routine, so do a lunge. Now pick me up again! Ugh.

With all due respect, IMO most pas des deux is a liftapolooza for the male.  For me, for a guy who is pretty muscular he did have some good movement, but mostly, it was the emotional impact that he was willing to leave out there on the dance floor that got me.  That wasn't choreography, that was Rashad letting us in. So I have to give it up to him. 

[Vyk]

9 hours ago, TroopinFairy said:

I totally agree that Alan should be in contention to be a pro next season. I feel like through the seasons that he's been on the show, he's proven himself to get the chance at being a pro. I loved Mr. T. He went out there and give it his all even though he knew he wasn't the best at it. I like people who do that.

 

9 hours ago, Morrigan said:

It was very sweet to see Maks make a pitch for Alan to have a partner next year. What a contrast to Derek and Henry Byalikov when Derek was injured good lord. Part of me wants to hate Maks - for many reasons - but he can be so supportive of people sometimes - I remember when he left his spot to help Cloris Leachman who was wandering off or something when Corky Ballas couldn't care less. And other times too. Maybe he's not the narcissist I sometimes think he is - I hope not for Peta's sake.

Anyway I love Alan !!! I hope he gets promoted too.  I want to be impressed by Gleb because he's so pretty but... I'm just not.  Though he was hardly gifted with this Erika creature - but I don't think he did that well with Jana last time either.  I can't think who else would go home next week other than Erika ??  She's so cold and off-putting.  Bonner pretty much sucks but with his heart-rending story, going last, and the judges' praise, it looks clear they want him to stay a while, but he sure doesn't have the talent to.  I hope they ditch him before the final and Rashad makes it - he's the best of the guys (and Nick is next.)

I also agree with Maks (and disagree strongly with whoever said it shouldn't happen).  Alan has done more than enough to deserve to be a pro next season.  Even the audience thought so.

Also, Gleb didn't do that well with Jana?  Ha!  Two perfects, a few near-perfects, and a fourth-place finish.  Hardly not doing that well.

By all rights, I think David, Erika, and Bonner should be gone next in either order.  Honestly, I'm surprised Nick wasn't in jeopardy this week after being that way last week.  I guess being there really did motivate his fans to vote for him.  Imagine that.

[sinycalone]

I agree that Lindsay should have choreo'd a simpler VW for David.  And why not put him in tails instead of a basic suit...and maybe rehearsed at least once in those tails, giving him more a feel for the elegance of the dance.  Still loved watching him, though.

Edited April 11, 2017 by sinycalone

[Vyk]

58 minutes ago, RedFiat said:

So my rankings for last evening 

#1 Rashad- boy needs to be better in latin and ballroom, but this Contemporary is the best we're going to see this season. 

#2 Nancy - this is controversial as most just don't want to give this team their due, but I thought the entire dance was beautiful, even with the unintentional lift. 

#3 Simone - very heartfelt dance, but a little choppy for a true Viennese Waltz. 

#4 Heather - I can't fault the execution on this dance, but the entire choreography left me cold.

#5  Normani-  the epitome of "fake it till you make it" Her natural ability in movement keeps her high in the scoring even if there's no Rumba to score. 

#6 Nick  - the craptastic sleazy choreography aside, this was Nick's best effort. He had a smoothness to his line which is very difficult for guys to do. 

#7 Bonner - He's still a terrible dancer, but Sharna is a wizard at keeping those bowed legs and footwork to a minimum. 

#9 David - Horrible dance position,  very hoppy but he's just a likable character who is going to knock out better dancers.

#10 Mr T.  Loved this dance, sure it was Kym doing all the work, but he hit his marks, and the backstory got me. 

#11 Eryka  Enough of the sexy costume porn. It's not sexy when you're not sexy inside.  A stilted Cha Cha, freakishly mechanical... probably her worst dance of the season. 

I think you went wrong with the numbering somewhere. . . .

[ElectricBoogaloo]

27 minutes ago, RedFiat said:

With all due respect, IMO most pas des deux is a liftapolooza for the male.  For me, for a guy who is pretty muscular he did have some good movement, but mostly, it was the emotional impact that he was willing to leave out there on the dance floor that got me.  That wasn't choreography, that was Rashad letting us in. So I have to give it up to him. 

But this wasn't a ballet pas de deux. This was a contemporary routine, and contemporary is more than just lifts. There are plenty of contemporary duets that have actual dancing in them, not just lift after lift. Like I said, the choreography is the pro's fault. She should have given him more to do than be her forklift. With such an emotional story, she could have given him movement that showed that emotion, not just that one lunge and reach move in between all the lifts.

[vibeology]

I normally dread this week because it comes with sappiness, crying and overinflated scores. I do think we saw some of that this time but it was a bit more measured.

Rashad benefitted from emotional overscoring for sure. His dance was lovely and I thought he did do a great deal to sell the emotions, something that shouldn't be natural for him as an athlete, but 10s. Too much. Simone also had an emotional breakthrough for me, but she is such a careful and placed dancer. Her scores were more in line with what I was expecting. Normani did a lovely rumba but it was lacking. I'm glad to hear her travel time is over so if next week doesn't show her stepping up, I will be disappointed. Heather was wonderful, as always. She's a joy to watch and really makes me happy every week. Plus it was nice to have an upbeat story and song.

Nancy seemed unsteady on her feet to me again. I think its the difference between turning on ice and turning on the dance floor. She just seemed to struggle with spins and turns and then would right herself. Otherwise, I also loved her dance.

David, Bonner and Nick were all better than they have been but there's a clear gap between them and the rest of the competition. The only question is will personality and votes overcome that in the next few weeks.

I'm sad Mr. T went, but also, he was the weakest left. I'm glad he went out on such a nice dance and really was able to show us how hard he can work and how far he can come.

Erika and Gleb better tone down the sex next week. I'm all for body positivity but I don't need to see a Real Housewife grinding up on Mickey Mouse. It's Disney; know your theme and audience and find a way to be Erika without being too much. As for her dance this week, I could not understand how the judges didn't rake her across the coals. That was a big pile of nothing. I'm so very ready for her to go home.

[TeeMo]

Most memorable year week is usually my least favorite week of the season because of all the DRAMA and sob stories which often feel manufactured to me. I am usually pretty icy about it but several dances/stories last night actually got me choked up! Nancy, Mr. T and Rashad really had me teary. Color me surprised.

Nancy has become my favorite contestant. I love that Artem is staying away from tricks and gimmicks and letting his good dancer of a partner just dance the assigned style. Her dance last night felt like old school DWTS and I loved it. Their partnership is very sweet.

Mr. T is no dancer but I would not have been sad to see him outlast Bonner, Erika or even Nick. He was a delight. 

I love when the show gives us some moments from practice where we really get to see the pro working at getting their partner to understand the emotion and feel of the dance. We got that with Emma and Rashad's package last night and I was reminded of how much I love Emma as a pro for the way she works with her partners. 

I felt like a lot of the dances last night were admirably more subtle in their story telling than we often see on memorable year night which is probably why I enjoyed it. Of course we still had a few couples beat us over the head with their theme - Nick and his bevy of ladies, Heather in that corny play by play of her courtship and marriage and Bonner looking at hologram cowboy Bonner which takes the cake. Surely I wasn't the only one who thought that was Sharna in a cowboy suit for a quick second??

Edited April 11, 2017 by TeeMo
Typos

[Slakkie]

I never cry - I cried big baby ugly tears for Rashad.  That was beautiful.

[seacliffsal]

I'm with Len about Ericka and Gleb, and I just wish Erin would stop with her encouragement of the raunchy when backstage she kept telling Ericka to bring the sex; kind of how I felt about CAI telling Charo to put in more 'cuchi cuchi.'  Although I don't have children, I know that some families watch this show together and I think that sometimes the producers or whoever forget that.

Sigh, I so wanted Mr. T to outlast Ericka and Bonner (and maybe Nick).  Oh well.

[boyznkatz]

I don't wish for Maks to be injured, but I wish Heather could keep Alan as a partner. I thought her dance was the best. Rashad, Simone, Nancy, Normani were all good.

I really think Gleb is doing Erika a disservice. She looks like a decent dancer and could be a lot better if she had Val or Derek as a partner. 

I wish they would stop pimping Bonner, Nick and David. They can't dance and need to go already.

[mtlchick]

Quote

I know that some families watch this show together and I think that sometimes the producers or whoever forget that.

That was an argument made by someone on the FB page about one of the dances (I forget which dance) and for me, it's a moot point.  DWTS skews VERY old; at one point the median age was 61.1  http://www.thewrap.com/the-oldest-and-youngest-tv-shows-from-60-minutes-to-family-guy/ . 

Even with some of the themes and contestants being really young, the fact remains that most of the contestants are older due to nostalgia and drives the age up. 

[Primetimer]

Each celebrity chooses a most memorable year to commemorate through dance. Some are happy, some are sad, but all will do their best to wring tears from your eyes. (With dry ice if necessary.)

View the full article

[shoregirl]

Simone hugged her parents. They adopted her, she calls them mom and dad, they are her parents. To call them anything else is disrespectful. Not to mention dismissive of adoptive parents. Are they less of parents because they aren't her biological parents?

Edited April 11, 2017 by shoregirl

[Archery]

50 minutes ago, TeeMo said:

Bonner looking at hologram cowboy Bonner which takes the cake.

Oh, I thought that was one of the troupe dancers in rodeo clothes!

I was already wobbly hearing Simone's story (and relieved that it wasn't "2016, when I reinvented gymnastics"), but lost it completely when I realized she was using one of my favorite CCM songs, "Good, Good Father" ("You're a good, good Father, it's who You are, and I'm loved by You, it's who I am").  That felt to me so much more organic than Mr. T's Amazing Grace waltz.

[dcubed]

7 hours ago, Zuleikha said:

Technique doesn't transfer exactly across dance forms. Heather is a jazz/hip-hop trained dancer. She's not a Dancesport trained dancer. I'm not sure of Heather's exact dance background and how much jazz/ballet/modern training she had versus hip-hop because the former transfers better than the latter, but neither of those transfer directly to Latin. Many a professional dancer in one style has struggled trying to adapt to a different style.

Agreed 100%: ex-pro Allison is a great example of this.  She was wonderful on SYTYCD but not good on DWTS.  The one thing a trained dancer has over the other contestants is musicality.  That is something that you have or not and every professional dancer has it, among other skills. 

[thesupremediva1]

10 hours ago, 1992austenlover said:

I think when it comes to Nick and Vanessa, there are a lot of people out there who are frustrated with them because they don't play into the fairytale. For instance, usually on the reunion episode (After the Final Rose) the couples act like everything is sunshine and rainbows despite the fact that they had spent the last few months hiding their relationship from the rest of the world while the chosen one is forced to watch their new fiance make-out with a bunch of other people on TV. Nick and Vanessa, on the other hand, didn't sugarcoat the challenges that they faced while the show was airing and were very upfront about the fact that they are still getting to know each other and that reliving the whole experience again was less than ideal for their relationship. They've basically said that they love each other, that they're committed to each other but that they're also realistic about the strangeness of their current situation and have therefore decided to take things slow. They're actually probably the most honest couple that the show has ever had...and if you're sensing any insincerity on Nick's part, I can honestly say that I think that he's just guarded when expressing his feelings about his relationship with Vanessa given the insane amount of pressure that they are under from the crazed fandom that is Bachelor Nation to make things work. 

Thank you! You're dealing with a 37-year-old man and a nearly 30-year-old woman. They're not the mid-20s spawn Bachelor Nation usually serves up. I find their maturity and perspective refreshing in comparison to the goo-goo eyes and silly expectations of those with less life experience.

 I also don't get the impression that Nick or Vanessa is all that comfortable with divulging their secrets to the world (even if Nick likes a certain amount of fame) - in fact, having watched the full season, Vanessa may have been the least suited woman to ever appear on The Bachelor. She was put off by the entire process. I'm shocked she even agreed to appear in the end of the dance, but she was probably obligated contractually by ABC to do so.

So in Nick's dance, Peta was definitely portraying Corinne, correct? Her red dress was gorgeous. I think Nick is a fine dancer with nice lines who's progressing and showing honest effort. I certainly hope he stays over Erica, David, and Bonner. I'm throwing all my votes his way until he clears the next couple of weeks. 

And if you watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you'll know that Erica is as cold in many of her friendships as she appears in her dances.

[bealled]

My favorites tonight were Simone and Nancy. I did think Rashad did a nice dance, but I guess his didn't connect with me as much as the other two. I felt it was overscored and only received 10s due to being a contemporary (the judges often seem lax with scoring contemporaries). It was still a nice dance and story though, just slightly overrated in my opinion (I think all 9s would be more fitting, or maybe only one 10).

I have really started to enjoy Nancy and her story was very touching. I love that Artem has been just choreographing more traditional routines and not adding a ton of gimmicks. I thought she could have used more than just Len's 9.

Tonight was Simone's best dance so far and she clearly connected a lot better to this dance. I hope she continues improving. Her story was one of the most touching for me. I honestly thought they should have ended with her rather than Bonner.

Normani did good, but it wasn't her best dance. I liked seeing 5th Harmony appear although I agree with others their singing was off. I know they performed Impossible on the X Factor and it was the first song they performed where it became apparent this group may have something. I think the girl who left the group, Camilla, may have been more of the lead on the song in the past which is why it didn't sound as good. I think Normani's choice of becoming a member of the group makes sense as her most memorable year since it has completely transformed her life.

I think the show does not care much for Nick, or is not invested in keeping him around. He had back to back weeks as either the first or second to perform, and it seems like the show is way more interested in Rashad, David, and Bonner. I can understand why the show prefers Rashad and David, but I prefer Nick to Bonner. I guess his story wasn't the most exciting but neither was Erika and she had a better slot in the show. At least his scores were higher tonight.

Erika's dance was not that good. I am not sure why they are insisting on the sex appeal with her?? It got old when Gleb and Jana did it, and is more annoying with these two. I think people would warm to Erika more if she was just dancing a straightforward dance similar to Nancy (she does not seem nearly as good as Nancy though). Erika may be out next week, and I kind of hope she is. I don't think she seems to be enjoying herself on the show as much.

Mr. T left on a high note. His package and dance were very touching. Sad to see him go, but he was the worst left.

David's dance was forgettable to me. I don't seem to like him as much as some. His dancing is just very overscored which gets on my nerves. He seemed very hunched to me while dancing. I am sure David will be around for a while though, and he does seem like a nice and fun guy.

I feel like the show is pushing Bonner and I'm not sure why. I think they wanted him to be similar to James from last season, but he just cannot dance. Bonner and James do have a similar backstory, so I feel that is maybe why they are pushing him? I'm glad the showmance was not mentioned this week. I actually see nothing romantic between him and Sharna anymore. I would not mind him leaving sooner rather than later. Also Rashad is 10x more charming than Bonner and has a killer smile, so I'm not sure why the show has been swooning over Bonner instead of Rashad.

[BoogieBurns]

10 hours ago, gohawks said:

Also, I have a niece I'd like Rashad to meet.

That's so sweet to offer up your niece to get in line, behind me ;-)

[Venee]

1 hour ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

But this wasn't a ballet pas de deux. This was a contemporary routine, and contemporary is more than just lifts. There are plenty of contemporary duets that have actual dancing in them, not just lift after lift. Like I said, the choreography is the pro's fault. She should have given him more to do than be her forklift. With such an emotional story, she could have given him movement that showed that emotion, not just that one lunge and reach move in between all the lifts.

I hate to keep picking on Rashad, but since the scores don't matter I have to weigh in (even if I'm in the minority) The 10s were for the backstory and the Dad in the wheelchair. Remove that element, this dance does not stand on it's own as a great contemporary or one of the best of all time as I'm seeing rolled around. What show have folks been watching to proclaim this when we've had Riker and Allison, Meryl and Maks, Zendaya and Val ( and that's just off the top of my head). This is the Pros fault and I didn't see Rashad do much, if any Contemporary dance at all. If a ten is given there better be a huge contribution from the "star" not just the Pro. On the other hand, this is another example of why I feel there should be a male winner and a female winner.  I have said this multiple times the demand on the female vs the male is just different, unless it's a side by side effort throughout.

[TeeMo]

49 minutes ago, Archery said:

Oh, I thought that was one of the troupe dancers in rodeo clothes!

I was already wobbly hearing Simone's story (and relieved that it wasn't "2016, when I reinvented gymnastics"), but lost it completely when I realized she was using one of my favorite CCM songs, "Good, Good Father" ("You're a good, good Father, it's who You are, and I'm loved by You, it's who I am").  That felt to me so much more organic than Mr. T's Amazing Grace waltz.

It very well may have been a troupe member! I wad laughing so hard at the visual it was hard for me to tell. 

[Boofish]

What I find astonishing is the women that oozes sex appeal in their everyday persona (not an insult, just an observation) get on this show and look like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz before the oil change. Just a few I can remember - Holly, Kendra, Kim Kardashian, Vivica Fox ,Denise Richards, Amber Rose, Antonio Sabato Jr and now Ericka

[dleighg]

Mr. T looked about equivalent to the quality of your average 65 year old dad dancing at his daughter's wedding. You know, someone who practiced for a week or two before the big event.

[spanana]

10 hours ago, Venee said:

Rashad : Idk folks I think the hugging and the crying of Rashad and his family got the 10's tonight, certainly not the dance...come on a 10? Maybe if you scored Emma. If you score Rashad you get an 8. The quality of movement is not quite there. Save the 10's for the real dancers. BTW Rashad's brother had a deadpan look. He seemed underwhelmed. I wonder what's up with that.....

I'd be curious what you mean by saving the 10's for the real dancers.  That seems to imply that if you don't come into DWTS with previous dance experience (which I'm not begrudging those that do) that they should never be scored anything approaching a 10.  Or that they should always be scored below the Normani and Heathers.

I could be misunderstanding your point, but this doesn't wash for me.  First if non dancers come on the show and never score anything approaching a 10 and get capped below those with experience, you are never going to get a non dancer to sign up ever again.  People aren't going to sign up knowing they will get an automatic handicap from the judges.  Also while the judging has always been very subjective and I often don't agree with them, people in theory are being scored against themselves and their capabilities and not each other.  Otherwise how do you judge a 70 year old versus a 16 year old...do they have the same physical capabilities?  Not saying that last example applies this season, but just throwing it out there.

Did Rashad get some emotional overscoring?  Maybe.  I don't care since it was going to happen to someone at some point and I'd rather it be Rashad/Emma.  I'm pretty sure those were Emma's first 10's ever so it's not like she's pretty much ever on the receiving end of generous scoring. 

What I do like about this season so far, even if I'm not super invested, is seeing some different pros getting love and high scores.  Emma is on cloud 9.  Sasha is happy, though he hasn't had bad partners.  I've never seen Artem smile so much.  I want the show to realize that they don't only need to give the good partners to the same few pros over and over.

[Michichick]

Erika (not Erica, Ericka, or Eryka) is a very stiff dancer and exhibits little personality. I'm a fan of hers on Real Housewives, for the most part, but won't be sorry if she's the next to go. 

[simplyme]

21 minutes ago, Boofish said:

What I find astonishing is the women that oozes sex appeal in their everyday persona (not an insult, just an observation) get on this show and look like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz before the oil change. Just a few I can remember - Holly, Kendra, Kim Kardashian, Vivica Fox ,Denise Richards, Amber Rose, Antonio Sabato Jr and now Ericka

Snrk. Wonder how Antonio Sabato Jr feels about being called a woman who oozes sex appeal? ;) (To be clear, I'm thrilled you included him in the list because he fits the category you intended, I think. I'm just amused at the phrasing.)

But yes, being able to effectively convey an emotion or mood (including sexy) through fluid movement is hard.

Edited April 11, 2017 by simplyme
Clarification

[Venee]

6 minutes ago, spanana said:

I'd be curious what you mean by saving the 10's for the real dancers.  That seems to imply that if you don't come into DWTS with previous dance experience (which I'm not begrudging those that do) that they should never be scored anything approaching a 10.  Or that they should always be scored below the Normani and Heathers.

I could be misunderstanding your point, but this doesn't wash for me.  First if non dancers come on the show and never score anything approaching a 10 and get capped below those with experience, you are never going to get a non dancer to sign up ever again.  People aren't going to sign up knowing they will get an automatic handicap from the judges.  Also while the judging has always been very subjective and I often don't agree with them, people in theory are being scored against themselves and their capabilities and not each other.  Otherwise how do you judge a 70 year old versus a 16 year old...do they have the same physical capabilities?  Not saying that last example applies this season, but just throwing it out there.

Did Rashad get some emotional overscoring?  Maybe.  I don't care since it was going to happen to someone at some point and I'd rather it be Rashad/Emma.  I'm pretty sure those were Emma's first 10's ever so it's not like she's pretty much ever on the receiving end of generous scoring. 

What I do like about this season so far, even if I'm not super invested, is seeing some different pros getting love and high scores.  Emma is on cloud 9.  Sasha is happy, though he hasn't had bad partners.  I've never seen Artem smile so much.  I want the show to realize that they don't only need to give the good partners to the same few pros over and over.

you are correct! I wrote dancers but meant to write dances (I should edit) didn't notice that. I expanded later in detail why I was underwhelmed with the dance in context.

[Boofish]

5 minutes ago, simplyme said:

Snrk. Wonder how Antonio Sabato Jr feels about being called a woman who oozes sex appeal? ;) (To be clear, I'm thrilled you included him in the list because he fits the category you intended, I think. I'm just amused at the phrasing.)

But yes, being able to effectively convey an emotion or mood (including sexy) through fluid movement is hard.

I was just being a little silly :)

I understand it's hard but can a sister at least get some hip action?

[Former Nun]

4 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Nick's rumba was just okay. There wasn't enough of him actually dancing the rumba. He doesn't extend so when he was doing things like raising his arm, it was like a pose rather than a motion. As for his story, it's hard for me to feel sorry for someone who almost gave up his dream of finding someone to love because he was on two shitty seasons of The Bachelorette. Just think of all the poor people forced to find love without going on a lame reality show!

The producers could have made it more heart-wrenching by featuring shots from his heartbreak on "Bachelor in Paradise."  I call them out for playing favorites.   Our poor Nick; life is just so unfair to him.

[spanana]

1 hour ago, Venee said:

you are correct! I wrote dancers but meant to write dances (I should edit) didn't notice that. I expanded later in detail why I was underwhelmed with the dance in context.

Thanks.  I get it.  I think after years of watching the ridiculous overscoring that happens on this show and some of the dances that have received 10's and perfect scores, Rashad/Emma were barely a blip at that radar.  Contemporary is almost always overscored.  Most contemps on this show aren't great since the pros aren't overly good at that style themselves and they fall into the flailing and overwrought category.  I can't even tell you the number of contemps on this show where the judges have been blubbering and I'm just sitting there scratching my head not getting it.  I think the last contemporary I genuinely liked enough to rewatch was Allison/Riker and that is because it's Allison's specialty.  Though to be fair to Rashad, I have watched his 3-4 times, but it's less about the dance and more about the moment with his dad at the end and then seeing Emma's joy at the scores.

Also unrelated, but color me shocked at how much I'm loving Nancy.  She's a much better performer than I expected her to be and she's the one I see biggest improvement arc week to week when watching.  I don't think she'll win, but I'd love to see her make a final.

Edited April 11, 2017 by spanana

[friendperidot]

Mtlchick, I am old, I'm 66, so I'm older than the 61.whatever that you said the show skews to. I do resent being called VERY old as do most people my age. Someday, if you're very, VERY lucky, you might get to be VERY old in your 60s also. It's a privilege that many do not get. And so what if the show skews old, youngsters don't have to watch, there are plenty of shows that skew to the tweens. And I kind of get tired of watching Andy Griffith reruns because there's nothing decent on tv that makes sense instead of stupid joke, pause, sarcastic stupid response, pause, stupid sarcastic response, pause, etc., etc., etc.

DEL901 and Callaphera (hope I spelled the names right, I did look, but I'm OLD, I have memory problems), thank you for the explanations, I don't watch most competition shows. I only watch America's Got Talent because of the time of the year it's on and I'll give up on it if I'm bored.

[MakeMeLaugh]

Not a Nick fan, right up front, so reinforcing my distaste for him was that he did not put his shirt back on after the dance (of course, why even pull it off during that sleazy dance?). Erin was sure keeping her distance from possibly touching him while waiting for the scores. Interestingly, Rashad was able to keep his unbuttoned shirt on for the evening. Poor little Nick and the heartbreak of sleeping with several women on a reality show before finding a woman who agreed to stay with him, so that's memorable, I guess; Rashad otoh blew me away with his maturity while still in college to help an ill father who needed him even though that father had not been there emotionally for him while he was growing up. 

David Ross always makes me smile and is doing his best, but he won't care when he gets booted off. Happy happy guy. 

[Venee]

9 minutes ago, spanana said:

Thanks.  I get it.  I think after years of watching the ridiculous overscoring that happens on this show and some of the dances that have received 10's and perfect scores, Rashad/Emma were barely a blip at that radar.  Contemporary is almost always overscored.  Most contemps on this show aren't great since the pros aren't overly good at that style themselves and they fall into the flailing and overwrought category.  I can't even tell you the number of contemps on this show where the judges have been blubbering and I'm just sitting there scratching my head not getting it.  I think the last contemporary I genuinely liked enough to rewatch was Allison/Riker and that is because it's Allison's specialty.  Though to be fair to Rashad, I have watched his 3-4 times, but it's less about the dance and more about the moment with his dad at the end and then seeing Emma's joy at the scores.

Also unrelated, but color me shocked at how much I'm loving Nancy.  She's a much better performer than I expected her to be and she's the one I see biggest improvement arc week to week when watching.  I don't think she'll win, but I'd love to see her make a final.

No argument here. I actually mentioned Allison and Rykers dance in contrast. (I'm an Allison fan from SYTYCD soft spot in my heart!)  I admit to shedding a tear when he went over to his Dad (I was on the phone with my Mom while it was on and she was crying) Men crying kill me.

 Yes on Nancy! I was vocal about my tepidness, because I remember her from skating days and she was not on my list of favs as a skater! I am worried that David is going to stick around and someone like her who has a legit case for the finals will be bumped, because people are as they say "sleeping on her" in the voting area!

[RedFiat]

5 hours ago, Vyk said:

I think you went wrong with the numbering somewhere. . . .

Ha! Yes I did, I guess I was too eager to kick Eryka  Erica?  off. 

Edited April 11, 2017 by RedFiat

[RedFiat]

5 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

But this wasn't a ballet pas de deux. This was a contemporary routine, and contemporary is more than just lifts. There are plenty of contemporary duets that have actual dancing in them, not just lift after lift. Like I said, the choreography is the pro's fault. She should have given him more to do than be her forklift. With such an emotional story, she could have given him movement that showed that emotion, not just that one lunge and reach move in between all the lifts.

Ok fair enough, of course, Pas des deux can be emotional, especially the contemporary ballet ones.. and maybe that's what we have here. Contemporary certainly doesn't have to be so prescriptive for this show.  I don't know of any contestant that revealed themselves like Rashad did, that includes Meryl or anyone else who has done a fair job at contemporary.  That's why I give him huge props, not for the lifts, but for the emotional impact that he produced on that dance floor, especially the part where he fell back and reached back for her...there was such a poignant moment in his expression, and how his whole body writhed in pain just sealed it. For me, the emotion that he pulled out of the piece was nothing short of legit great dancing, and that's not including the hug from dad.    

[saber5055]

Rashad made me cry but good. I couldn't help it. I had to turn the channel at the end of Nick's dance, which I thought was pretty good until Vanessa came out to do The Bachelor monkey hang on him. I USED TO BE a Nick fan, but now ... no. Was delighted Nancy did not pick the kneecapping incident (and losing Olympic gold) as her year. I actually was touched by her story, and I don't even like her. Meanwhile, everything about David Ross and the Cub support takes me back to that magical time (before the election) when the sky opened, rainbows and unicorns filled the earth, and the Cubs won the World Series. Lastly, sorry to see Mr. T go before The Housewife.

[thefog]

3 hours ago, Venee said:

I hate to keep picking on Rashad, but since the scores don't matter I have to weigh in (even if I'm in the minority) The 10s were for the backstory and the Dad in the wheelchair. Remove that element, this dance does not stand on it's own as a great contemporary or one of the best of all time as I'm seeing rolled around. What show have folks been watching to proclaim this when we've had Riker and Allison, Meryl and Maks, Zendaya and Val ( and that's just off the top of my head). This is the Pros fault and I didn't see Rashad do much, if any Contemporary dance at all. If a ten is given there better be a huge contribution from the "star" not just the Pro. On the other hand, this is another example of why I feel there should be a male winner and a female winner.  I have said this multiple times the demand on the female vs the male is just different, unless it's a side by side effort throughout.

The real problem with this season they have cast too many ringers - people with dance experience like Heather and Normadi - or people with backgrounds that comes close to it like Simone and Nancy.

This show should be about someone like Rashad - who came into the competition with zero dance training - and who have surprised audiences.   And a big part of the competition is establishing an emotional connection with audiences.

[Packerbrewerbadger]

3 hours ago, Boofish said:

I was just being a little silly :)

I understand it's hard but can a sister at least get some hip action?

If you want male hip action go to you tube and watch Cheryl and Emmitt Smith's Halloween rumba to Spooky the year he won. Best male rumba ever!! IMO

[realdancemom]

15 hours ago, katha said:

I don't know how to phrase it, and I don't mean to be snarky...but: Heather started out as a background dancer, and IMO sometimes you see that. She doesn't have the charisma of some of the other contestants, for all her technical prowess. And I think she tends to dance "small", which has made all her dances have less impact for me than they should have, considering she's a pro dancer. I also didn't know who she was before the show, so I don't have any kind of goodwill for her stemming from her acting career or when she was on SYTYCD or whatever. And what I see is a proficient dancer who doesn't always move beyond that and create "moments" with performance quality. She seems really nice and dances very well, obviously. But from the way people were talking about her beforehand? I expected more tbh.

I've been underwhelmed by Heather too.  I expected her to be better.  When I watch her dance, I can see why she wasn't picked on SYTYCD.  She doesn't have star quality when she performs like Normani.  She does dance a little manic and small even though she's technically proficient.  I do like her with Alan though.  His choreography was corny this week.  However, their last two dances had plenty of proper content.  I could tell what they were supposed to dance.   I liked how Maks told TPTB to promote Alan as a pro next season.

Before Rashad danced, I thought that I had no feelings since I didn't cry over Nancy's or Mr. T's dances or stories.  I cried so hard during Rashad's dance and then when he went over to his dad.  I really love Rashad's personality.  A lot of the football players are handsome, charismatic with killer smiles.  Rashad has that but he shows vulnerability that I haven't seen in others.  I already liked him two weeks ago when he talked about his ex-girlfriend.  He said that it hurt but that just means that it was real.  Then he takes these emotions and knows how to show them in dances.

People are being eliminated in the order that I prefer so far.  Mr. T is a wonderful guy but he was the worst dancer left.  I hope Erika is next.  I agree with Len.  They need to show more than sexy all the time.  It doesn't seem like that's going to happen so I'm tired of watching them.  I also didn't mind that she was confident and embracing her sexuality but she needs to show another side of her personality too.  It doesn't hurt to show some vulnerability, e.g. see Rashad.

Then I would want Bonner to leave after Erika.  He does do better in the slow dances.  His Charleston was a disaster.  Considering he was paralyzed, he has accomplished a lot in a year.  But it's still not fun to watch him because he is so stiff.  I know some of it is because of his accident but I watch to see good dancing.  I also do not see any chemistry so I hope the show is done with that.

My top two is still Normani and Nancy.  My favorite from the guys is Rashad.  There isn't any competition with the guys.  Nick is a better dancer than David.  The latter was hopping all over the place.  But we know that David is going to stay over him and possibly some women that are far better dancers.